Two Verdicts

When Stephen laid his charges out, Both devastating and severe, His verdict then left little doubt, Delivered boldly, without fear, Held nothing back, his message clear: “You stiff-necked folk, you never learn, Uncircumcised in hearts and ears. The Holy Spirit always spurned; Just like your fathers, all these years. The prophet’s tale, all woe and tears. The heralds of the Righteous one? They all lay dying, dead, betrayed. The Law delivered, kept by none. Angels ignored, for none were swayed; Now in the wilds, for all have strayed.” At hearing this, they grew enraged. Their chests, they beat; their teeth, they ground. But Stephen, towards the heavens, gazed At God in heaven, glory-crowned, The Son of Man, beside Him, found. “Behold, I see them standing there!” But they cried out and stopped their ears. They cast him from the city square. The verdict reached was swift and clear: “He’s guilty!” said his juried peers. They laid their garments on the ground; They placed them at the feet of Saul. A hail of stones came raining down. Those gathered there saw Stephen fall, Cried, “Lord, forgive them, one and all!” “Account them not, nor record keep.” He breathed his last and fell asleep. (from Acts 7)